Why visit Santorini in winter?

Anyone who says Santorini is just a summer vacation destination clearly hasn't enjoyed its off-peak delights. People who live here all year round swear by the slightly cooler and less crowded months when you can experience the real Santorini without having to share it with thousands of tourists. In this post, we will list you the advantages of visiting Santorini in winter to help to make the most of your off-season trip. 

Balmy temperatures all-year-round

Thanks to its privileged location in the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini basks in 300 days of sunshine each year. In general, it takes longer time for the seawater to cool off than the sand. Therefore, you can still enjoy a refreshing dip or two in November or December. Those with a brave heart can even swim throughout the winter. Winter swimming is not just a fun activity but also boosts the immune system like nothing else! A warm cup of coffee will taste even better afterward when enjoying the caldera views on a sunny terrace.

Explore the wonderful hiking trails 

Santorini is laced with scenery-rich hiking routes, many offering a crowd-free insight into this snap-worthy Cycladic island. It is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the volcanic landscape. The most popular route is the one between the two largest towns Oia and Fira, which is approximately 10 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. You can soak up the amazing views of whitewashed houses carved into the rugged clifftop, the spectacular caldera, the dormant volcano in the distance, and the small neighboring islets.

Visit the ancient ruins without the heat 

When thinking about Greece, most of us envisage gorgeous sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. However, the Mediterranean country offers so much more than that! In fact, in many ways, winter is the best time to experience this ancient nation’s culture, history, and versatility. Take a day trip to Santorini’s most important archeological site, Akrotiri, the fascinating ancient Minoan city, known as Greece’s version of Pompeii. The settlement was buried by a devastating earthquake in 1600 BC but archeologists unearthed a rich collection of prehistoric artifacts. Besides, you can also stroll around the ancient buildings and city walls, all evoking the rich history of the island.

Take a Santorini sailing trip

You have chosen one of the most stunning Greek islands in the Mediterranean for your vacation. You have visited the famous Santorini beaches, tasted delicious local dishes, ticked all the historical attractions off the list. You love looking at the deep blue waters…How about getting into the blue? Nothing beats a Santorini sailing trip if you want to discover all the hidden beauties of the island. You can explore hard-to-reach beaches, climb up the volcano, soak in the natural hot springs or just simply have a delicious BBQ on board while marveling at the sunset with your friends or loved ones.

Walk around the sleepy villages

Do you want to experience the authentic island life? Then it is time to explore the marvelous villages of Santorini. Megalochori, Firostefani or Pyrgos are just examples of the most charming villages on the island. These traditional settlements are often overlooked by sunseekers who head to Santorini. But beyond the inky sea and black-sand coves, there are many lovely spots to be found all over the island – whitewashed hamlets that lead to hilltop churches with their classic blue domes, pastel harbors inspired by the Venetians and crumbling neighborhoods where life centers around lazy cafes and shaded squares. Enjoy!